Oakland Raiders Cheerleader Sues Claiming Wage Violations

An Oakland Raiders cheerleader sued the National Football League team, claiming the “Raiderettes” aren’t paid for overtime and business expenses in accordance with California law.

The cheerleader, identified as Lacy T., said in a complaint filed today in state court in Oakland that the Raiderettes get a flat fee of $125 apiece for each home game at which they perform, regardless of how long they work.

They don’t get paid at all for the minimum of 10 appearances at designated "charity" events they are required to make, she said. Such occasions can involve store appearances and draft-day events as well as actual money-raising charities, according to the filing.

"It’s as if the Raiders' owners believe that the laws that protect all workers in California just don’t apply to them," Sharon Vinick, the lawyer for Lacy T., said today in a statement. "I have never seen an employment contract with so many illegal provisions."

Lacy T. is seeking to sue on behalf of other current and former Raiderettes.

Will Kiss, a spokesman for the team, declined to comment on the lawsuit.